Discrimination | Employment Law E-Buzz

California Supreme Court Clarifies Standard for “Mixed Motive” Defense to Employment Discrimination Claims

By John T. Kennedy on February 19th, 2013 Posted in Court Decisions, Discrimination

In a partial victory for employers, the California Supreme Court ruled in Harris v. City of Santa Monica that even when an employee proves that a discriminatory motive was a “substantial factor” in an adverse employment decision, the employee is not entitled to damages, reinstatement, or backpay, if the employer can show that the same… Continue Reading

Did You Know…New Bill Introduced in the House – Equal Employment Opportunity Restoration Act – Would Overturn Dukes Ruling

By Veronica M. Gray on June 21st, 2012 Posted in Class Actions, Discrimination, Legislation

On June 20, 2011, the United States Supreme Court decided the landmark case of Wal-Mart Stores Inc. v. Dukes which significantly impacted enforcing anti-discrimination laws (as well as other laws) by way of class actions. One year later, both Al Franken, D-Minn., and U.S. Rep. Rosa DeLauro, D-Conn., introduced the Equal Employment Opportunity Restoration Act. If… Continue Reading

Did You Know…EEOC Holds That Title VII Protects Transgender Employees

By Veronica M. Gray on April 27th, 2012 Posted in Discrimination

In a landmark decision on April 23, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) issued a ruling concluding that “intentional discrimination against a transgender individual because that person is transgender is, by definition, discrimination ‘based on…sex’ and such discrimination…violates Title VII.” The EEOC found that discrimination against a transgender individual because that person is transgender is, by definition,… Continue Reading